FROM SPLASH PAGE: Just as fans were slowly accepting the fact that "Preacher" -- Garth Ennis and Steve Dillion's highly-controversial comic series that took on everything from organized religion to shady government agencies -- was DOA at HBO, along comes news that the option has once again been picked up, this time by Columbia Pictures, who intends to make the property into a full-length feature film. A "Preacher Feature," if you will (ba-dum-dum!).

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Columbia has picked up the option and pegged Sam Mendes to direct. Neal Moritz's Original Films banner will produce alongside Kickstart Prods.' Jason Netter.